The 6 best hair straighteners of 2024, according to expert hairstylists

For Williams, there are certain specifications she looks for in a straightener. "I prefer flat irons that have rounded edges," she shares. "This offers more styling options, like curling or bending. In addition, I find that the plate pinches less when it is ceramic and has flexible plates." There's one and only one choice that comes to mind for her.

"My favorite flat iron is actually a 'hole in the wall' find for me," shares the salon owner, "and I haven't veered off the path much yet because it works great for me and my needs as a stylist!" Her choice is the Generic Value Product 1 Inch Black Ceramic Flat Iron, retailing for $60. It earns the best value title considering how often Williams has had to replace it. "I have only bought three of these flat irons in my 11 years as a professional stylist. For using them 3-5 days a week, all day long, I have been very happy with it and highly recommend it."

For Everett, the FHI straightener is one of her go-to tools. "It works on all hair textures and densities," she says, adding, "I love to use this on hair that is medium length or longer." Furthermore, Everett shares that she loves this tourmaline ceramic iron's reliability, especially because it can retain heat long enough to maintain a consistent temperature on long strands. "I use this iron quite often backstage at runway shows. This iron is sturdy and dependable, which is really important to me as a hairstylist," she says.  

As a proactive tip, Everett advises: "I ensure that the irons come with a warranty, just in case anything happens to the iron since I travel with my irons often."

Healthy hair advocate Yene Damtew is the hairstylist behind some of our favorite Michelle Obama looks. When it comes to healthy tresses, Damtew doesn't compromise. That's why she prefers the Black Gold Evolve Ionic Salon Flat Iron when styling with heat. "It's affordable, with a price of under $100, is lightweight, and has a temperature gauge which is key to minimizing damage when straightening," Damtew says.

It totally makes sense. Like most flat irons, this one has a smart temperature feature that includes a rotating dial and a digital LED display that tells you exactly how hot the plates are. What sets this one apart, though, is the sound it makes to alert you when it's reached the temperature you set it to. Plus, it remembers the last heat setting you used. So even when you've turned it off and it has cooled down for the day, it's ready to pick up right where it left off when you're ready for your next press.

With a quick Google search, you'll find that this design by BaBylissPRO has racked up tens of thousands of positive reviews across retail sites such as Amazon, Ulta, and Bed Bath & Beyond. But one of the strongest reviews comes from Everett. "This is a go-to iron for straightening curly and coily hair and creating silk press styles," she says, calling out the iron which makes it "easy to straighten hair all the way to the scalp." While Everett uses this product for creating smooth, straight results, she says it's multifunctional, too. "The thin plates also make this iron great for creating waves and curls."

"It's definitely on the pricier side but well worth it if you use a flat iron daily," Jessica Page says about the GHD Platinum+ Styler. For this salon owner, a styling tool with as many features as this one has proven itself to be a gem. Designed with the latest technology, this flat iron guarantees even heat across the plate, has universal voltage great for traveling, and has a sleep mode that turns itself off when you forget to. Page has the circumference of the iron to thank for its ability to create a curl.

When it comes to curling your hair with a straightener, she suggests separating hair into two sections to start. "Clamp the flat iron on the top of the section, turn the flat iron 360 degrees, and pull the flat iron down the section with smooth, consistent timing," she recommends. "This helps to avoid creasing! After the flat iron has passed through the section, immediately twist the curl in the same direction you curled it with your finger. Allow the section to curl before brushing to ensure the curl lasts as long as possible."

For celebrity extension expert Valles, one of her favorite straighteners also happens to be one of the most advanced options. "It's great because it allows you to customize your texture," says Valles, referencing the devices' Smooth ID which adjusts the settings to best suit individual hair types, taking into account the length of the hair and if it's been chemically treated. "It's personalized heat, an amazing flat iron," she adds.

Fittingly, Valles emphasizes how important it is to have multiple settings within one tool. "The more options you have with an iron the better because you can use it for whatever look you're going for. For stick straight, you would want the heat really high. Other times you just want to smooth it out a little bit and then the heat doesn't need to be as high."